Council opts to wait a bit before mulling police space

"The department has outgrown its space," she said. The purpose
of the stud y would be to consider possibilities building a new
station or renovating part or all of an existing building, she
said.

Police Chief Tim Ehrenburg told the council, "I'd be
appreciative to get some dialogue. This won't happen
overnight."

Councilman Peter Flemming Sr. asked how long Ehrenburg thought
the process would take.

"Two or three years," the chief guessed.

Flemming guessed it might take longer.

Councilman Ellwood "Woody" Kerkeslager said, "I know firsthand
the crowding at the police department." But he added of authorizing
a study, "I think it's premature not that it should never be
done."

Kerkeslager said he wanted to find out how the department's
space woes would be improved once it takes over the current
courtroom, after the completion of a $2.3 million renovation
project to make the Hartley Dodge Memorial compliant with t he
federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Kerkeslager said he also thought it best to wait until the
council has hired someone to succeed Borough Engineer Stanley
Schreck, who went into private practice last fall.

Councilman Mark Peck said, "I'm inclined to agree with Woody,"
adding, "Yes, there is a need, but I think it would be good to have
an engineer" for guidance before commissioning a study.

Councilman George Hayman said he agreed with Kerkeslager, too,
although he was "eager to begin exploring this."

Holding Off On Study

Holden said her choice of a consultant, Edwards & Kelcey of
Morristown, had the necessary experience to perform a six-week
study to guide the council.

Flemming said, "I think Mary-Anna should be commended for
putting this forward. " But, he advised, "Let's put it on the back
burner for a month or six weeks.' '

The consensus of the council was to hold off on a study for a
short period until the council could review how the police
department would use the additional space it would gain in the
Hartley Dodge renovation, and until a new engineer was on board.
The council interviewed three candidates for that position Monday
night.

Said Mayor Dunne, "I think Mary-Anna has put forth a major
issue. I commend you for bringing it to our attention."

He, too, favored considering her proposal at a later time, he
said.

Later, Holden told the Eagle, "I'm disgusted. Months will go by
and nothing will happen."

In a tour of the 66-year-old police headquarters for the Eagle
and Holden on May 4, Chief Ehrenburg pointed to a cramped reception
area, an interrogation room too close to the communications desk,
no space for a juvenile facility, no space for a domestic crisis
intervention room, a bathroom shared by prisoners and employees,
equipment stored in hallways, one unventilated six-desk detective
room, a locker room out of locker space, a truncated lunchroom and
an office in a closet .

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In recent weeks, Long Hill Township and Watchung Borough passed ordinances allowing their police departments to be able to apply for surplus equipment from the Department of Defense. Long Hill recently procured a Humvee to use in times of flooding, which Watchung states as the reason they are getting into the program. However, in cities around the country, police forces have used the program to obtain military gear, such as weapons and armor.
For more background, go to the link below
http://www.newjerseyhills.com/echoes-sentinel/news/watchung-police-department-hopes-to-receive-equipment-from-department-of/article_12ad002a-92b3-5449-a2cc-4b2cf0ce4339.html